5 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in ENROLLED BILLcompared with ENGROSSED IN SENATE (Jul 8, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 are limited to updated congressional document formatting, headers, and signatures, reflecting the bill's progression to an enrolled version. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.

S. 1003119th CongressIntroduced Mar 12, 2025

Lulu’s Law

Became Public LawScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 26, 2026

Bottom line

This bill requires the FCC to enable shark attack warnings via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, enhancing public safety in coastal areas.

What it actually does

This bill, known as "Lulu's Law," mandates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue an order within 180 days of its enactment. The order must specify that a shark attack is an event for which a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message may be transmitted, thereby adding shark attacks to the list of events that can trigger these mobile phone alerts.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill enhances public safety by leveraging existing, widely adopted technology to provide timely warnings for a specific, albeit rare, danger. They contend that rapid notification can save lives and prevent injuries in coastal communities, offering an additional layer of protection for beachgoers.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that adding highly specific, localized events like shark attacks to the national WEA system could contribute to alert fatigue, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of alerts for more widespread or severe emergencies. However, given the narrow scope and public safety focus, strong organized opposition to this particular measure is unlikely.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its full scope and implications quickly.

Section 2(b)

Mandate for Wireless Emergency Alerts for Shark Attacks

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue an order within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This order must specify that a "shark attack" is an event for which an "Alert Message" (as defined in 47 CFR 10.10(a)) may be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system. This effectively adds shark attacks to the list of events that can trigger these mobile phone alerts, allowing local authorities to warn the public about such incidents.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupCoastal communities and beachgoersImpactIncreased safety through timely warningsMechanismReceiving Wireless Emergency Alert messages on mobile devicesScaleLocalized to coastal areas where shark attacks are a risk.

GroupFederal Communications Commission (FCC)ImpactNew regulatory mandate and administrative taskMechanismRequired to issue a new order and update WEA protocolsScaleAdministrative

GroupLocal emergency management agenciesImpactPotential new tool for public safety communicationMechanismAbility to issue WEA alerts for shark attacks once FCC order is in placeScaleOperational

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision directly enhances public safety by ensuring that a critical, albeit rare, threat can be communicated rapidly to those in harm's way, leveraging widely adopted mobile technology. They believe that even a single life saved justifies the administrative effort.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that adding highly specific, localized events like shark attacks to the national WEA system could contribute to alert fatigue, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of alerts for more widespread or severe emergencies. However, strong organized opposition to this specific provision is unlikely given its public safety focus.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is balancing the desire for comprehensive public safety warnings against the risk of alert fatigue, where too many alerts for specific or localized events could lead people to ignore them, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of the emergency alert system.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.